Israeli Assaults Continue In Gaza, Death Toll Climbs
The ongoing Israeli military operation in Gaza has resulted in a significant rise in Palestinian casualties, with various sources reporting differing numbers of fatalities over the past few days. The most recent information from Al Jazeera Arabic, cited by Middle East Eye, indicates that Israeli forces have killed at least 84 Palestinians across Gaza since dawn on Wednesday, with at least 50 of the victims reported in Gaza City alone.
Conflict Background
The conflict in Gaza, which has been ongoing since October 2023, has resulted in a reported total of 65,419 Palestinians killed, mainly women and children. The number of wounded individuals stands at approximately 167,160, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. However, the actual number of casualties is likely to be much higher as thousands of people are still unaccounted for under the rubble.
The situation has been further exacerbated by the Israeli ban on fuel supplies to Gaza. This ban threatens to turn into a disastrous catastrophe for both the healthcare system and the entire enclave, as claimed by a TASS spokesman. The ban has reportedly resulted in the deaths of around 1,700 medical workers since the military operation commenced.
Recent Developments
Over the past few days, the situation has been further worsened with the number of casualties continuing to rise. On Wednesday, Israeli attacks killed at least 51 Palestinians across Gaza, including 36 in Gaza City. Additionally, eight people were killed while waiting for food at a distribution center near Rafah, in southern Gaza.
On Thursday, Israeli forces continued their assaults, resulting in the deaths of at least 43 more Palestinians across Gaza. The deadly attacks occurred in central Gaza’s Bureij refugee camp and Gaza City’s Tal al-Hawa neighborhood.
Israeli forces have also targeted individuals seeking aid. At least five aid seekers were reportedly killed in various parts of the enclave over the past two days.
Global Response and Implications
The alarming escalation in violence and the disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza has drawn international attention. Dozens of countries have called for the reopening of the medical corridor between Gaza and the West Bank, offering financial aid, medical teams, or medical equipment to treat patients.
A study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) found that civilians in Gaza have sustained injuries of a type and on a scale more usually seen among professional soldiers involved in intense combat operations. This revelation underscores the severity of the conflict and its implications for the civilian population in Gaza.
Former Turkish Prime Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu, has also issued an urgent call to world leaders ahead of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, urging them to confront Israel's assault on Gaza.
Current Status
Despite the global outcry, the situation continues to deteriorate with no immediate resolution in sight. The ongoing conflict, coupled with the Israeli ban on fuel supplies, threatens to plunge Gaza into a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. As the world watches, the people of Gaza continue to bear the brunt of this escalating conflict.